In keeping with its commitment to reduce climate impacts, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has again been awarded the Toitū carbonreduce certification, with Auckland Zoo proudly achieving Toitū net carbonzero certification for the sixth year by taking the extra step to offset its emissions.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s economic and cultural agency, is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, in line with carbon reduction goals set in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan. This plan follows Auckland Council declaring a climate emergency in 2019.
Toitū carbonreduce certification is a critical step to measure emissions annually, develop strategies to manage and reduce emissions, and chart progress against its baseline measurement. As Auckland Zoo has done, organisations can then offset emissions to achieve Toitū net carbonzero certification.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill says the organisation is determined to play its part in helping our region tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
“These are goals we must all take seriously, and the target of 50 percent reduction by 2030 is a key milestone in the journey to net zero emissions by 2050. Through Toitū carbonreduce certification, we can understand and strategically manage our emissions, manage risks more effectively, and most importantly, we can chart our progress and identify where we need to focus more attention over time.”
The Toitū certification programme ensures that the carbon footprint and emissions reduction are independently verified, in accordance with international standards for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions - ISO 14064-1:2018 and the GHG Protocol.
Nick Hill says:
It is important we all play our part to measure, track and improve.
"Addressing climate challenges makes good sense for our region, businesses and community, and unlocking prosperity through a regenerative economy was a discussion we were proud to facilitate with Auckland’s business leaders at our Auckland’s Future, Now event in May,” says Hill.
Measuring emissions is challenging, particularly for large and complex organisations. More than 30 supplier reports and 155 emissions sources formed part of the data collected and analysed by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
The certification measured emissions of activities across Tātaki Auckland Unlimited operations including Auckland Live, Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland Stadiums including Mt Smart Stadium, North Harbour Stadium and Western Spring Stadium, Auckland Zoo, New Zealand Maritime Museum, non-production film studios, GridAKL (John Lysaght Building), and its corporate unit including its Aotea Centre and Victoria Street offices.
“Toitū certifications give confidence to those enjoying events at our venues or visiting our cultural organisations such as the Auckland Zoo, that we are taking action to reduce the operations emissions of that experience and we encourage the public to do their part too, such as using public transport”, says Hill.
While the organisation’s emissions have reduced year on year, largely due to operations being impacted by COVID-19, Hill says “we know that as we rebuild, we need to make sure we do this in a way that does not lose sight of our reduction goals.”
As part of the Toitū carbonreduce certification, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has identified key areas to reduce emissions, including electricity use, natural gas use, and business and employee travel.
Find out more:
- For a detailed outline of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s emissions for the 2021/2022 financial year, please see the disclosure document here.
- For a detailed outline of Auckland Zoo’s emissions for the 2021/2022 financial year, please see the disclosure document here.
About the certifications:
To achieve Toitū carbonreduce certification, an organisation must measure all operational greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions required under the international standard for carbon footprints, ISO 14064-1:2018, including vehicles, business travel, fuel and electricity, and waste. The emissions are measured annually, and the inventory is independently verified to ensure it is accurate and complete. The organisation must develop plans to continually manage and reduce their emissions. The organisation must reduce emissions on a six-year cycle.
A Toitū net carbonzero certified organisation has measured, managed, and mitigated the operational emissions of its organisation, including business travel, electricity, vehicles and offices, in accordance with ISO 14064-1:2018 and the GHG Protocol.
Toitū Envirocare aims to build momentum, inspire change and take credible action towards a sustainable world. Based on science and backed by evidence, its Toitū carbonreduce, Toitū net carbonzero certifications give organisations the tools to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.